Your dog's first visit starts with an Introduction Day.
Every new dog starts with an Introduction Day — a guided first visit that helps our team understand your dog's personality, comfort level, and care needs so we can set them up for the best experience possible.
We believe great dog care starts with open communication.
Our goal is for every dog at The Dog Patch to feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for. We'll always communicate honestly with you about how your dog is doing in our care — because at the end of the day, the dogs always come first.
We're the best fit for clients who appreciate honest, caring communication and want to work with us to set their dog up for success.
Every dog starts with an Introduction Day
Your dog's first visit is led by one of our most experienced team members. We take the time to properly get to know and assess every dog before they join group care.
Slow, intentional introductions
We never rush a new dog into a group. They meet the other dogs one at a time, at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
A space that fits your dog
Small and big dogs are cared for in completely separate buildings, so each dog can settle into a group that best fits their size.
What to Expect on Your Dog's Introduction Day
An Introduction Day is your dog's first visit with us before attending Daycare or Boarding. It is set up like a daycare-style visit with a scheduled drop-off, a slow introduction, and time for our team to get to know your dog.
Here's how the day works:
Scheduled drop-off
You arrive at your assigned time so we can meet you, learn about your dog, and answer any questions.
Slow, one-at-a-time intro
Your dog is introduced gradually, one dog at a time, by one of our experienced team members.
Tour & check-in with you
Once your dog has started settling in, we'll bring you in to see how they're doing and give you a tour of the facility.
You head out
The drop-off, introduction, and tour portion usually takes about 15–30 minutes. After that, you're free to go.
A text update with photos
You'll receive a text update with photos of how your dog is settling in.
The rest of the day
Your dog stays with us for at least 3 hours, with the option to stay until closing, so we can continue observing how they settle in.
Want a tour before booking an intro?
We give you a full tour on your dog's Introduction Day, but if you'd like to come meet us and see the space first, we're happy to do that too.
Tours are available 7 days a week at 2:00 PM by appointment. Please use the link below to book a tour.
What we're looking for — and what happens if your dog needs more time.
We use Introduction Day to get to know your dog and see how they feel in our care. It's not about passing or failing — it's about making sure The Dog Patch is the right fit for them.
What we look for
- How they settle into the space
- How they respond to our team
- How they meet and interact with other dogs
- Their energy level and play style
- Whether they can take breaks from play
- Their recall
- Any signs of stress or over-stimulation
- How comfortable they seem overall
What if your dog needs more time?
This is a brand-new environment, so we don't expect every dog to settle in right away. Some dogs need a little extra time or another visit before we know what will feel best for them.
If that's the case, we may recommend a second Introduction Day, weekend visits, or another option to help your dog build confidence before joining weekday Daycare or coming for a Boarding stay.
Some dogs need more time, and some settle in right away and have a great first day — both are completely okay.
A few things we need before your dog's Introduction Day.
To help every dog have a safe and positive first visit, please review these requirements before booking.
Friendly & Sociable
All dogs coming for Daycare and Boarding must be comfortable with dog and human interaction. We understand that every dog reacts differently to new situations so we do our best to ensure your dog is given every opportunity to succeed in this type of environment.
Shy, nervous, or unsure dogs are welcome to try an Introduction Day. We'll go slowly, introduce them thoughtfully, and pay close attention to whether The Dog Patch feels like a comfortable fit for them.
However, aggressive dogs will not be allowed as the safety of our pack is our number one priority.
Spayed or Neutered
Males — We require neutering by 7 months old.
Females — We recommend spaying by 7 months old.
At our discretion, some intact female dogs may attend Daycare and Boarding after 7 months, but not while in heat or pregnant.
Vaccination Policies
All daycare and boarding dogs must have vaccination or titer test records on file.
Adult Dog Policy
- DH2PP — accepted for 3 years from the vaccination date, even if your vet record shows a shorter expiry.
- Rabies — dogs 1 year of age and older must have received at least one Rabies vaccination in their lifetime.
- Titer Tests — we're happy to accept valid titer tests as proof of immunity.
Puppy Policy
- Puppies must have received their first two core vaccination sets, typically at 8 and 12 weeks.
- The second set must be given at least 10 days before their Introduction Day.
If you're not able to provide updated vaccination records for any reason, please call us directly and ask to speak with a management team member. We're happy to talk through the next steps with you.
Everything you need to know before you book.
When
Monday–Friday11:30 AM or 12:30 PM
How Long
3+ hoursIntro and tour: 15–30 minutes. Dogs stay at least 3 hours.
What's Included
Full assessmentSlow intro, facility tour, and feedback on how your dog does.
Introduction Day Pricing
Approval is required before your dog can attend Daycare or Boarding. This helps us support safer playgroups, thoughtful placement, and a better experience for every dog.
- Available Monday – Friday, 11:30 AM or 12:30 PM
- Multi-pet families save 15% on each dog ($39.95 per dog)
Not sure if your dog is the right fit?
We'd love to talk it through with you. Every dog is different, and we're happy to chat about your dog before you book. Call, text, or email us anytime.
Your step-by-step path to booking through Gingr.
Booking happens right in Gingr — you'll request your Introduction Day yourself. Just follow the steps below to get set up.
Sign up in Gingr
Use the "Start My Gingr Profile" button below to create your account.
Create your owner profile
Add your contact info and keep communication preferences turned on so you don't miss reservation updates. You'll also need an emergency contact who is not one of the owners.
Upload current vaccination records
When creating your profile, you'll see a place to upload vaccination records. Multi-dog families should upload records for each dog.
If you don't have them available right now, that's okay — you can upload them through your portal later or bring them with you on Introduction Day.
Read and sign the waiver
Complete the Daycare/Boarding Waiver inside your owner profile.
Add your dog(s)
During signup, you'll create your owner profile and add your dog. Multi-dog families will add a separate profile for each dog.
Upload a photo of your dog(s)
Give us your pup's best passport photo — clear face, good lighting, just them! We use this for quick identification and safety.
Request your Introduction Day in Gingr
Once your profile is complete, return to the home screen and select your dog.
Then choose Evaluation and pick an available Introduction Day time that works for you. This is what sends your request to our team, so don't stop after setting up your profile — this is the step that gets you booked in.
Multi-dog families should select one dog only when submitting the request. Our team will add the additional dog(s) after reviewing.
or
Prefer the app?
Download "Gingr for Pet Parents" and enter invite code 790862.
Questions before you start? Contact us — we're happy to help.
Questions before your dog's Introduction Day.
Our team will conduct a slow, one-at-a-time introduction so your dog can settle in at their own pace. If we feel The Dog Patch isn’t the right fit for your dog, we’ll talk it through with you honestly and kindly. We’re always happy to recommend other care options that we feel may better suit your dog’s needs.
Ready to meet the pack?
Create your Gingr profile and request your dog's Introduction Day to get started with Daycare or Boarding at The Dog Patch.
Create Your Gingr Profile